Wire with memory in it?!?

As I am building my Jeep I am getting closer and closer to needing the coils for the shocks and I am having trouble coming up with wire that retains memory. Does anyone know of a solution for this? I have springs from pens and things but they are too small.

Any ideas?

It is not wire that has memory that makes springs work but rather a hardening process which the metal is subjected to after being wound into a spring. Therefore, you will have to find a spring of the right size. Take apart any junk electronics such as a VCR or DVD player and you should find many that may work. Hope that helps!

Alex

TBH I have never had a problem with winding wire and keeping its shape in coils.

I don't know how long you need the springs but tire valves (when dismantled) have great springs inside them. I think you can find something on that in my M1 Carte de France WIP if you want to see pics.

Is it going to be just static (ie. not moving), or are you wanting it to actually work like a spring?

If it won't be moving, and is just detailing, you could try using solder. It comes in lots of different sizes and will hold whatever shape you put it into.

If you want it to work, I have some springs that I just got in a 'big-bag-o-springs' at an auto parts store the other day. Measure what size do you need (length, diameter) and I'll see what I have that I could send you...

Murray

Is it going to be just static (ie. not moving), or are you wanting it to actually work like a spring?

If it won't be moving, and is just detailing, you could try using solder. It comes in lots of different sizes and will hold whatever shape you put it into.

If you want it to work, I have some springs that I just got in a 'big-bag-o-springs' at an auto parts store the other day. Measure what size do you need (length, diameter) and I'll see what I have that I could send you...

Murray

Well, I think there have been two or three people who have seen the actual build, lol. In the build I am moving on to an all brass chassis and it has become very heavy for a model. I like it that way though. Anyway, it will fully be articulating and have movement to pose it on obsticals when complete. If I use solder it will compress the springs and not return. I need a spring that can return to shape.

What store did you find this "bag-o-springs" at? I just measured the collar on the shock and it is about 3.5mm whereas the shock body is 2mm. So I need a coil that is about 2mm inside diameter and no more than 3.5mm outside diameter. The total length is about an inch but could be cut I suppose to fit.

Thanks for the input guys!

Jon

Jon, you are in the US so I would recommend looking at http://www.smallparts.com/ Great selection of springs in any shape, size, gauge, etc, etc. I haven't looked in on the build but I will now.

Mike

Actually, any decent hardware store (notice I did not say 'home improvement store') should have a good selection of springs- you'll likely find what you need there if you go with some calipers and can measure for the sizes you're looking for.

Actually, any decent hardware store (notice I did not say 'home improvement store') should have a good selection of springs- you'll likely find what you need there if you go with some calipers and can measure for the sizes you're looking for.

Well, unfortunately all of the "decent" stores in my city no longer exist ironically because of the Lowe's Depot invasion here. I will do some hunting. Maybe the depot of lowes will have something.

Jon, you are in the US so I would recommend looking at http://www.smallparts.com/ Great selection of springs in any shape, size, gauge, etc, etc. I haven't looked in on the build but I will now.

Mike

Double post - oh well.

Thanks Mike, I just looked over that site and need to do more hunting on it. Looks like they will have what I need. Thank you very much as it is a cool site!!